All players are to receive equal playing time. Every player must play at least ½ of the match (three periods).

If a player wishes to play goal only, they are permitted to play the entire match in that position, providing all other players get their ½ match in.

There may be times, due to family holidays, weather conditions etc, where there are not sufficient players for one or both sides to field a team. In this case it is left to the coaches present to decide in consultation with each other, how the match will proceed. For example, mixing teams, to balance the number of players, finding players from a previous match etc.

Above all, players who show up at the field must participate in a match.

One coach is permitted on the field to help give direction to players and improve the flow of the match, as well as all player participation.

A TEAM ROSTER sheet must be turned into the referee immediately following the match.

2)START OF MATCH:

The team that kicks off the ball can be determined by the referee prior start of the match. No coin toss needs to be performed.

3) DURATION OF MATCH:

The match is divided into 6 - 7 minute periods. There is a one minute break between each period, with the exception of the 3 and 4th, which will be 5 minutes (half-time). All periods must be started on time. Referees have been instructed to start the CLOCK even if there is not a full team present for either side.

4) PLAYER CHANGES:

In general players are to only be changed during breaks, however this rule does have some flexibility.

A player may be changed during a period, with the refs permission, if the change is replace an injured player.

A change may also take place, with the refs permission, if it appears a player has become overheated or exhausted to the point where a more serious medical condition may develop.

A players health is always a top consideration.

5) CREASE AREA RULE:

1) The crease area shall be the “6 yard” box. No player other than the goalie is allowed in the crease area.

2) Once the goalie has possession of the ball they may either kick or throw it away; a goalie may leave the crease area, and carry the ball in their hands anywhere inside the “18 yard box” but must release the ball from their hands if they leave the 18 yard box area.

3) Other than the goalie, no other player is allowed in the crease area at anytime. This includes a teammate of the goalie, except in the case of a goal kick which may be taken by team mate.

4) If any player violates the crease rule; play stops and the goalie is awarded the ball (goalie ball).

Note: the “6 yard box” and the “18 yard box” will be reduced propotionate to the smaller sized field.

6) RESTARTS:

INDIRECT KICKS:

any player intentionally touches the ball with his hands

when a goalie steps outside of the 18 yard box with the ball in their hands

for any intentional foul. ( rough play, playing man before the ball, making contact with bent elbow)

GOAL KICKS:

when the ball leaves the field over the end line off the foot of a offensive player. The ball is placed anywhere inside the crease, and any player may take the kick.

On any goal kick, the ball must clear the “18 yard” box before it is in play

All players on the opposing team must be outside of the 18 yard box.

CORNER KICKS:

when the ball leaves the field over the end line off the foot of a defensive player including the goalie.

the ball is spotted within a yard of the corner nearest where it left the field and kicked into play by any offensive player.

THROW-INS:

when the ball leaves the field of play over any side line.

the ball is thrown in by the team that did not cause it to leave the field of play (i.e. ball goes out off red foot; blue throw-in).

proper throw-in technique is required. The player taken the throw-in must have both feet on the ground at the time the ball is released from the hands. Violations will result in the throw-in being award to the other team. Referees may allow some lieniency during the first have of the season by awarding a second chance for any technically incorrect throw-in.

DROP BALL:

at referees discretion when play stops for reasons other than above.

two opposing players face each other and ball is dropped between them. (think hockey face-off).

DURING ANY RESTART (except drop ball) opposing players must be 5 yards from the ball.

During a drop ball- all players except the two opposing players taking the drop ball- must be 5 yards from the point where the ball is to be dropped.

7) REFEREES:

Referees are provided. If a referee fails to show up coaches can come to an aggrement as to who will act as a referee. An Executive Member (preferable The Director Of Referees) must be informed of all ref no shows, by direct contact or by email.

Referees have instructed to communicate any problems they encounter before, after or during a match to the Executive for follow-up.

8) OFFSIDE RULE:

There is no offside rule in Mini Soccer. Coaches are however encouraged to start teaching players about this rule. Try to be aware of players on your team who “hang out” in front of opposing goal and correct this action. This will help to create less confusion for the player when they move to a higher division where there is an offside rule.

9) PLAYOFFS:

There are no playoffs or Championship Games in the Tyke Divisions. All teams will play a 20 minute exhibition match on Banquet Day.

10) GOAL LIMIT

During any one game, idividual players are limited to scoring a maximum of 4 goals each. The fifth and any subsequent goals a player may score will not count towards the final score. The goalie will be awarded a goal kick on any rejected goal. After the fourth goal by any one player, coaches should encourage that player to pass the ball or move back to a defensive position, allowing other teammates an opportunity to score.

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